Apple FaceTime improvements focus on looks, audio, and group calls

Apple

Apple's newest improvements to its FaceTime app will have it working more like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The company is bringing scheduled calls that can even be accessed by Android and Windows PCs via the browser. It gets a grid view if you want to see most or all of the people in the call.

The app is also getting support for spatial audio, so it would seem like those you're talking to are in the same room. It will also support voice isolation, so the mics on your Apple devices will dampen ambient noise and focus on the speakers' voices. Aside from focusing on your voice, FaceTime is also getting Portrait Mode to blur the background and keep you in focus.

FaceTime is also getting a new SharePlay feature that lets you watch content with your loved ones over the app. You can even watch what you're streaming with friends on the Apple TV while it streams to them through your iPhone. Initial partners for this feature include Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, MasterClass, NBA, Paramount Plus, Pluto TV, TikTok, and Twitch. Apple is also releasing an API to allow developers to make their apps compatible with SharePlay.

Source: CNET